Hammond vs Indianapolis: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Hammond, IN and Indianapolis, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hammond, IN | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,757 | $71,030▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.09 | $34.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,539 | $56,063▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,444 | $66,728▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,290▲ | $78,239 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,208▲ | $81,579 |
| Total Employed | 20 | 4,230▲ |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hammond.
The salary gap between Hammond and Indianapolis is $4,273 (6.40%). Indianapolis's median is +4.35% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hammond spans $35,669,Indianapolis spans $25,516. Hammond has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Indianapolis ($74,225 effective) pays 1.51% more than Hammond ($73,118 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hammond if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,208)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,030/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,225)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Hammond grew 29.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.3% growth in Indianapolis over the same period.
Hammond, IN
$48,844 (2024) → $63,157 (2025)
Indianapolis, IN
$47,210 (2019) → $67,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hammond, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Hammond or Indianapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hammond and Indianapolis?
Should I relocate from Hammond to Indianapolis as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Hammond vs Indianapolis?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov